mvaldes1989
Member
- Location
- 1595 ne 135st north miami 33161 fl
why cant I install a new panel in a firewall but j-boxes are ok ?
panels in firewall
- Thread starter mvaldes1989
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
1. Are you sure they are? Even if mounted back to back?
2. J-boxes typically are not full depth in the wall while panels often are. That leaves an insulating space between the inside of the box and the wallboard or whatever is behind it.
3. Panels are a lot bigger. More area = more heat exposure and chance of flame transmission.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Off of the top of my head, I believe that for a box in firewall the penetrations are limited to 16 square inches.
mvaldes1989
Member
- Location
- 1595 ne 135st north miami 33161 fl
firewall
firewall
again my question would be can I replace an existing panel for a new one if tis located in a fire wall ?
firewall
again my question would be can I replace an existing panel for a new one if tis located in a fire wall ?
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Only your ahj can tell you that. I have been told that panels are fire rated but I have not ever noticed that they were.
mjf
Senior Member
I second that but, from the way the OP is asking the question it sounds like the AHJ has already made the ruling.
Roger
Joe Villani
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County NY
Panel in firewall
Panel in firewall
I would answer Yes if the opening is protected.
3m makes an endothermic Mat that is used in these applications.
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediaw...s6EVs6E666666--&fn=98-0213-4377-1.pdf&fn=.pdf
I would run this by your AHJ
Joe Villani
Panel in firewall
I would answer Yes if the opening is protected.
3m makes an endothermic Mat that is used in these applications.
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediaw...s6EVs6E666666--&fn=98-0213-4377-1.pdf&fn=.pdf
I would run this by your AHJ
Joe Villani
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
I'm going with this answer too.
mwm1752
Senior Member
- Location
- Aspen, Colo
If the penetration of the box is greater than 16" you must firerate around it -- putty pads, 5/8 X sheetrock - check with the building dept & proposed a solution -- there are 3 basic rules for electrical boxes - penetration lgreater than 16" -- through penetration (boxes facing opposite directions) with in 2' horizontally -- 100 sq in of combined penetrations (IE: 13 - 1gang openings)within 100 sq ft of wall
Last edited:
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
The thing about wrapping it is that you wont find a "listed" or "approved" method. Always best to check with the AHJ and see what they allow.
mgookin
Senior Member
- Location
- Fort Myers, FL
What does that OSB contribute to the assembly other than fire load?
The inspectors need to read the listing information on the pads, and to follow mgookins post, why would you do it in the first place in that wall assembly?
Roger
The OSB was the wall of the garage that was getting finished with 5/8" sheetrock.
Instruction that come with the fire pads.
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediaw...sPad_PDS_4620-4.pdf&fn=FB Moldable Putty+.pdf
Instruction that come with the fire pads.
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediaw...sPad_PDS_4620-4.pdf&fn=FB Moldable Putty+.pdf
Read sections #2 "Applications" and #6 "Installation Techniques" and note the sizes of boxes they can be used on.
Wrapping a load center with them is beyond their limits.
Roger
mwm1752
Senior Member
- Location
- Aspen, Colo
For larger applications, pads can be molded together by hand. section 2 -- pretty strong statement --
The way I read that it is a "installation suggestion" for electrical boxes and it will not include panels. If the instruction allows the pads to be molded together for larger surfaces then i don't see it as a violation. Unless i am missing something else.
Suggested Installation for
3M? Fire Barrier Moldable Putty+
on Electrical Outlet Boxes
- Status